What is Humanitarianism?

World Humanitarian Day is August 19, and it is “a time to recognize those who face danger and adversity in order to help others,” as described by the United Nations. To explain it in plain terms, World Humanitarian Day is dedicated to those who spend their lives making other people’s lives better, and they, themselves, suffer. But you may be asking: what is humanitarianism? Humanitarianism is a moral of kindness, benevolence, and sympathy extended to all human beings. If you’re looking to give back to your fellow human beings, try these things to add more humanitarianism to the world:

Help the homeless—Homelessness is a nationwide epidemic and no one quite knows how to find a solution. But, you can do your part by visiting a homeless shelter. Help prepare food, make blankets or donate children’s games to the shelter. Maybe you can teach someone a particular skill they can use in the workforce. There’s always some way you can contribute.

Visit the elderly—Care for human beings by visiting the elderly. Many nursing homes and older hospital patients are suffering from familial problems and illnesses. Many of them just want to “tell their story” before they pass on. Sit down and make an elderly person feel loved and cared for by listening to them.

Stand up to bullying—A simple gesture can set off a lifelong change. Stand up and defend a victim of bullying in your community. It could be at school, at work or even on the street. If you hear someone say something hateful to another person, then defend the victim and spread kindness.

Our History

Our prayer is that in her honor we will successfully administer the Foundation in the same spirit that inspired Mrs. Abbott to establish it.
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Grants Awarded

Since the death of Ethel S. Abbott in 1992, The Ethel S. Abbott Charitable Foundation has awarded grants through the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017 amounting to $23,632,376. Find out more.

Request a Grant

When Ethel S. Abbott created the charitable foundation she requested that the Board of Trustees make grants that benefit the state of Nebraska with primary emphasis on Lincoln, Omaha and Western Nebraska areas.
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